“No. It’s blooming hard because everyone is damn suspicious!”
I grunt, reminded of the constant deception that defines life in the high fae court.
“I was sure Nix would have weeded them out by now. Speaking of Nix, where is she?”
“She went off with Nero. I think Silver went with them.”
“Nero?” I question straightening up.
“Oh yes, the shapeshifter now has a name. He would like to be called Nero, not the Puca or trickster.”
“Well, that’s new. I thought he liked his names.”
“Right!”
“Wonder what brought on that change,” I muse, placing the pillows neatly on the bed.
Zaria shrugs, then places her hands on her hips. “You really didn’t have to help.”
“It was no problem,” I offer.
We hear the shower turn off, and Zaria collects the dirty sheets from the floor.
“I will leave you to it and bring food. I’m sure she is starving.”
“Thanks, Z.”
The door clicks shut behind her as the bathroom door opens and Everly walks out in a pink silk robe, her hair in a towel on top of her head.
“Feel better?” I ask.
Everly walks toward me with a dreamy expression, her steps unsteady and gaze unfocused. I move toward her and scoop her into my arms, carrying her over to the sofa. I can feel the mix of confusion and awe emanating from her.
“What’s wrong?”
“I have your mark,” she murmurs.
A grin spreads across my face as a sense of pride and contentment swells within me. “You do.”
A joyful spark lights up her now mossy green eyes. “That means I’m your true mate?”
A gentle tenderness envelops my heart, and I sense her delicate heartbeat echoing in harmony with mine. The air fills with a soft hum, as if the universe itself is whispering its approval. The sight of her radiant smile coupled with the warmth in her eyes, assures me that we were destined to be together. From the very moment our paths crossed, my soul recognized hers, entwining us in an unbreakable bond. Though initially bewildered by our differences—her humanity, my royalty—I knew deep down that I was willing to embrace any path that led me to her.
“It does. We were always meant to be. I knew my soul recognized yours the moment we meet. I was just confused because you were human, but I was willing to take you anyway. I was determined to convince you to remain here, by my side. The longer you were here, the more sure I became that I loved you. That I have been falling in love with you since the moment I scooped you up in the Fey Glades.”
The fragrance of blooming flowers heightens the atmosphere, adding a touch of ethereal magic to our conversation, and I realize that the sweet scent is drifting from her. Her smile is soft as she runs her fingers over her birthmark.
“It's funny, back at the Evergreen Castle, I thought that we were reminiscent of the sun and the moon, and this mark always looked like a unique combination of a sun and moon to me, together in a winding pattern of vines. It was us all along. Marking me as a druid and you as my mate.”
My hand reaches out, gripping her wrist, I bring it to my mouth and kiss it softly.
“Entwined together by fate,” I whisper against her soft skin.
A loud knock at the door has me sliding her from my lap and standing. “Enter.”
Zaria enters with a food cart, her smile wide as she beams at Everly.
Everly stands up immediately, and I can feel her excitement as she rushes over to Zaria. Their bodies collide in a tight embrace. Zaria pulls away, her hands gently cupping Everly’s face.
